Automated Battery Hot Swap System that Integrates Unmanned Aerial Vehicles with the Autonomous Surface Vehicle SeaML:SeaLion in Port Environment

The applications of heavy-duty Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) are as manifold as well-developed spanning from first response in emergencies to wildlife observations and inspection of infrastructure. The latter aspect is the focus of this work, allowing the time-intensive inspection of port infrastructure to be done by means of UAV operating from an Autonomous Surface Vehicle (ASV) to increase mission range. To allow for continuously inspecting while additionally extending the mission duration, a Battery Hot Swap (BHS) station has been developed and the initial design and lab-tests validated. While previous works presented design criteria, development of the initial system as well as buoyancy testing on the ASV– this study presents the results of real-world testing within a port environment as well as the design improvements implemented. For the first time the system is installed on the custom-developed ASV ‘SeaML:SeaLion’ while being powered by the ships’ batteries and controlled remotely, therefore proving the capability of performing a complete hot swap without human intervention. The swapping routine could be successfully demonstrated and from landing to take off was completed within less than 3 minutes.